Leveling and stabilization of foundation and concrete slab

Symptoms and causes

The emergence of large cracks in the foundation and in brick walls, often accompanied by doors and windows that have become difficult to close, are key signs of a settling foundation.

The soil found throughout Quebec in general and Montreal in particular tends, because of its clayey composition, to settle. The presence of nearby trees and paved areas and the occurrence of dry spells can cause clay-based soils to dehydrate and settle. Since clay never recovers more than a portion of the water it loses, dehydrated soil will fail to regain its initial volume. The structure above them will then gradually settle under its own weight into the sunken earth.

The solution

Hydraulic driven piles represent the definitive solution to this kind of problem. A four-step process is involved:

• Foundation pier wall and footing brackets are solidly anchored to the foundation.
• Piers are hydraulically driven to supporting stratum
• The building is raised using a series of hydraulic jacks
• The repaired foundation is reinforced and the piles filled with concrete.